HISTORY AND MODERN STUDIES - SENIOR PHASE

History is the study of the human past through the analysis of evidence created by people from different societies, cultures and time periods. It is the study of events which have provoked great changes which have affected the political, social and economic condition of nations.

The study of History is very practical for today’s student, because it involves:

Learning about people – how they interact, the motives and emotions that can tear people apart into rival factions or help them work for a common cause.

Learning about countries, societies and cultures – so many of today’s conflicts and alliances have their roots in the past. How can you understand today if you know nothing of the past?

Learning to locate and interpret facts – to be able to pick out the truth and recognise myth and lies.

National 4/National 5 History

The course is divided into three units;

The Scottish Wars of Independence

The Making of Modern Britain (1880-1951)

Civil Rights in the USA

The Scottish Wars of Independence – Scottish Unit

This unit covers: the Scottish succession crisis, the succession of John Balliol and the overlordship of King Edward, the emergence of William Wallace and Scottish resistance and the rise, fall and ultimate victory of Robert Bruce.

The making of Modern Britain – British Unit

This unit covers: The divisions within 19th century society, the Liberal reforms of 1906-1914, the social impact of World War Two in Britain and the Labour reforms and creation of the welfare state 1945-51

Civil Rights in the USA – Europe and World Unit

This unit covers: The open door policy and immigration to 1928, the separate but equal policy to 1939, the civil rights campaign 1945-1965 and the ghettos and black American radicalism.

Higher History

The Higher History Course allows pupils to acquire breadth and depth in their knowledge and understanding of the past through the study of Scottish, British, European and World contexts.

Historical Study – European and World - The Crusades 1071-1204 and Germany 1815-1939

Britain 1851-1951 – British Unit

A study of the development of the United Kingdom into a modern democracy and the development of the role of the state in the welfare of its citizens illustrating the themes of authority, ideology and rights.

The Scottish Wars of Independence – Scottish Unit

A study of political change and military conflict arising from the Wars of Independence, illustrating the themes of authority, conflict and identity.

The Crusades – European and World Unit (Issues 1-3 only)

A study of religious, political and economic factors in the First Crusade between 1071 and 1099, illustrating the themes of ideology, authority, conflict and international relations.

Germany 1815-1939 – European and World Unit (Issues 5-6 only)

A study of the growth of extreme nationalism in Germany after 1919, the rise of Hitler and the development of the Third Reich illustrating themes of nationalism, authority and conflict.

Modern Studies

Why study Modern Studies?

Modern Studies is the study of how people live in society and is extremely important in developing our pupils’ understanding of the past, present and future. Armed with this information a pupil will undoubtedly be better equipped to deal with a variety of issues that they will face at school, university or their future careers.

Modern Studies qualifications develop knowledge and understanding of contemporary political and social issues in local, Scottish, United Kingdom and international contexts. The courses offer challenging, coherent and enjoyable journeys for learners who progress through levels. Learners also engage with discussions about the changing nature of political systems through studying democracy in Scotland and the United Kingdom.

National 4/National 5 Modern Studies

The course is divided into three units;

World Power: USA

Crime and Law

Democracy in Scotland and the UK

World Power: USA – International Unit

In this unit learners will study a significant world power, the USA. This study of a significant world power will focus on contemporary socio-economic issues and a study of its political system.

Crime and the Law – Social Unit

Learners will focus on crime and the law and will develop knowledge and understanding of the causes of crime, the impact of crime on individuals and society and the role of individuals, the police, the legal system and the state in tackling crime.

Democracy in Scotland and the UK – Political Unit

Learners will develop a knowledge and understanding of the UK political structure including the place of Scotland within this and the debates around this arrangement. They will develop knowledge and understanding of the ways in which society is informed about the political system, and able to participate in, and influence, the political system. At National level this unit will focus on UK politics.

Higher Modern Studies

The course is divided into three units:

World Issue: Poverty

Inequalities in Health and Wealth

Democracy in Scotland and the UK

World Issue: Poverty – International Unit

In this unit learners will study a significant world issue, poverty. This will include a study of the causes and consequences of poverty around the world, and evaluate international responses to poverty.

Inequalities in health and wealth – Social Unit

Learners will consider evidence that inequalities exist in health and wealth in the UK. They will then examine the causes of these inequalities, and analyse attempts that have been made to reduce inequalities.

Democracy in Scotland and the UK – Political Unit

Learners will develop a knowledge and understanding of the UK political structure including the place of Scotland within this and the debates around this arrangement. They will develop knowledge and understanding of the ways in which society is informed about the political system, and able to participate in, and influence, the political system. They will develop an understanding of their rights and responsibilities in contemporary democratic political society. At Higher level this unit will focus on Scottish politics.

Politics

Kyle Academy History and Modern Studies Department offers Politics at Higher levels to S6 pupils, ideally pupils who have studied Higher Modern Studies in S5. However, S6 pupils who have achieved a grade A or B in another social subject may also be admitted to the course; this would be decided on an individual basis

Why study Politics?

The Higher Politics Course develops learners’ ability to analyse political ideas, events, issues, parties and electoral performance. Learners gain knowledge and understanding of individual rights, duties and citizenship, of significant political concepts and ideologies, and of the complexity of political systems through comparative study

The Politics Course should be seen as a coherent study of political theory, comparative political systems and political parties and electoral performance. There will be opportunities throughout the course to reinforce and deepen learning by making links between aspects of knowledge and understanding across Units, depending on the particular topics and issues studied.

The course is divided into three units:

Political Theory

Learners who complete this unit will be able to use a range of sources of information to evaluate different political ideologies and political concepts, for example comparing Socialist and Conservative views on the role of the state.

Political Systems

In this unit learners will study and compare different political systems, for example examining the role of the Executive and the ways in which this role is limited in different political systems.

Political Parties and Elections

Learners who complete this unit will be able to analyse a range of electoral data to evaluate factors which contribute to the electoral performance of UK political, for example examining how effectively parties have used modern technology in their recent election campaigns.